Plot: Scythe is a dystopian set in the future after humans have overcome death and aging. Those who are born in this age could live forever. The world is run by an AI, there is no government. The only ones above the view of the AI are scythes. Scythes are those that help trim the world population. If you are killed by a scythe, you will not be revived, you will pass away. It follows two teenagers who have entered the world of the scythes and must learn for themselves what it means to kill in an age where everyone lives forever.
I also liked the characters, more so the side cast than the leads, if I’m being honest. These character were Rowan and Citra. His storyline was so much more compelling and memorable because of his internal conflicts. He had doubts, misgivings, second thoughts, apprehension, fear, guilt pangs, and remorse. He is the all-knowing, fearless, brave hero who could do no wrong.
Citra on the other hand was almost the exact opposite of Rowan. She had a sense of justice but she was your everyday YA heroine - a sharp-witted, strong-minded impulsive heroine, which - kudos and all but in comparison to Rowan and his character growth, her storyline pales almost in all aspects. She didn’t go through half the hardships he did, thus, there was little growth there.
Citra on the other hand was almost the exact opposite of Rowan. She had a sense of justice but she was your everyday YA heroine - a sharp-witted, strong-minded impulsive heroine, which - kudos and all but in comparison to Rowan and his character growth, her storyline pales almost in all aspects. She didn’t go through half the hardships he did, thus, there was little growth there.
Another reason I like this novel is due to its recurring themes. I find it hard to see meaning/a purpose in some dystopian novels aside from an entertaining story, but Scythe was different. When you're forced to kill people as your job (or you're learning to kill people), your humanity becomes questionable. when you live in a world where there is no pain and your life is immortal, you see how detached we can become. Is that really a perfect world? It made me really think about what it means to be alive and what it means to be human.
Shusterman is masterful in his plot development, the unpredictable twists, and turns, and the questions it raises to readers. I would give this book a 10/10 and recommend it to other readers!
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